There are many POS options out there, and finding the right one can be tricky. If you’ve been considering Toast POS, this article is for you!
We’re going to dive deep into the Toast restaurant software: pros, cons, and everything in between.
Toast is a point-of-sale (POS) system designed to simplify the day-to-day processes of running your food business. This software offers tools for order management and tracking, as well as features for inventory management and customer loyalty.
At the end of this article, you should understand whether Toast POS is a good option for your restaurant. Read on!
All About Toast POS
Toast uses safe and secure cloud-based restaurant technology to help small business owners within the food service industry run their operations effectively.
So, how does this software work?
Firstly, servers take food orders from anywhere in the restaurant using handheld digital devices called Toast Go. Staff can also accept orders at a checkout countertop using a touchscreen monitor.
Next, all food orders are processed and sent to the kitchen display system (KDS). This system helps your kitchen staff track what your customers are ordering. With the KDS, your talented chefs will know what food to prepare.
This system supports different types of payments, including contactless payments and gift cards. This can open your restaurant up to a wider client base.
If a customer pays using their debit or credit card, the Toast POS system processes the payment and releases your funds within 1 to 2 business days.
Who is Toast for?
Toast POS works well for many different food establishments, including restaurants and food trucks.
It’s best for mid-size to large, full-service restaurants, as well as bars, coffee shops, and other fast-casual dining venues.
You might want to consider Toast if your food venture requires the features listed below.
Top Features
Restaurant Grade Hardware
Toast’s hardware and software, built with restaurants in mind, are designed to keep your space operating in the most efficient manner.
The hardware fits into a food business environment as it can withstand restaurant spills, grease, and heat.
Some Toast hardware options restaurants can use include Toast Go and Toast Flex. These are, respectively, a mobile device that can take orders and payments, and a countertop touchscreen with a customer-facing side.
Toast POS can help your kitchen and front-of-house staff operate smoothly. If you’re looking for software that can specifically improve the efficiency of your kitchen, consider making use of one of these kitchen management software options.
Flexibility
If your business has multiple locations, the Toast system allows you to manage all restaurants from the same platform. This eliminates the need to be on-site to manage inventory and monitor other restaurant operations.
Toast POS has basic POS features, and can integrate with other tools and products. This can save your business money, as it will streamline your operations. You won’t need to make use of multiple software solutions that don’t ‘speak’ to one another.
The system has an offline mode and can continue working without an internet connection, although with some limitations.
Convenience
The Toast POS system gives customers multiple ways to order and interact with your services. This opens your business up to a wider range of clients, which can increase your revenue.
Some ways that customers can interact with your restaurant through Toast POS include:
Guest self-serve kiosks
- Online ordering through a web page linked directly to Toast
- Ordering through the mobile app (customers can do this without paying any third-party delivery commissions)
- Toast Order & Pay lets dine-in guests order and pay using their own devices
- Toast Go allows servers to take orders and accept payments from customers
The convenience of this system can benefit your operations by allowing different markets to access your services.
Restaurant loyalty software can make repeat dining convenient and attractive. The customer loyalty program that Toast offers, Toast Loyalty, can work to bring you repeat customers!
Report and Analytics
The software’s reporting and analytics tools can help you identify opportunities to cut costs, increase your profit margin, and grow your business.
Sales reports include real-time sales and guest feedback. You can also view and analyze data by location or group locations if you run several restaurants.
Ease of Use and 24/7 Customer Support
Ease of use and technical support is critical when choosing a point-of-sale solution for your restaurant.
Toast is user-friendly software to begin with. The company also updates the software regularly and offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and web messaging.
Pricing
Pricing is an essential factor to take into consideration when choosing a restaurant POS.
Before choosing a POS, you should consider what you’re looking for. Has your restaurant just opened, and are you looking for an affordable (or even free) solution? Are you part of a franchise, with a large budget, and complex needs?
Toast POS is relatively affordable, depending on the plan you choose. You can pay a monthly fee of $0 for the quick start bundle, although the features might limit your capabilities. If you’re looking for paid options, consider the $69 per month core or $165 per month growth plan options.
Note that you will need to pay for the hardware options and payment processing separately.
Toast POS Pros and Cons
Let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Toast POS software. This way, you’ll be able to see whether Toast is a good fit for your business.
Pros
- Multiple order and payment options
- Loyalty program available
- Integrates easily with other Toast products
- Reporting and analytics features
- Several subscription options (including a free option)
- Supports multiple location management
- Regular updates
- 24/7 customer support in all plans
Cons
- 2-year minimum contract
Final Thoughts
We’ve looked at all four crucial factors to remember when choosing restaurant management software – features, pricing, ease of use, and technical support. These should give you a good idea of whether Toast POS is a good match for your company.
But you might want to consider how long you’ve been in business before committing to the platform.
If you’re new to the restaurant management business, we recommend a POS system that offers monthly subscriptions and free cancellation until your venture becomes more established.
Find more tips about managing restaurants on our blog. Also, contact us for advice on restaurant venue management.
